Justice Byabakama takes oath for new term.
- Byakama assured country that he will continue organizing free and fair elections that are respected by all Ugandans.
The chairperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakam has been sworn in for the second time promising to continue holding free and fair elections.
Justice Byabaka has been sworn in with six other commissioners by the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo at the High Court headquarters in Kampala.
While taking his oath, Byakama assured Ugandans that he will continue organizing free and fair elections that are respected by all Ugandans.
Other commissioners sworn in include; Deputy Chairperson Aisha Lubega Basajjanaku, and other commissioners: Peter James Emorut, Stephen Tashobya, Anthony Okello, Caroline Beinamaryo, and Dr. Salie Simba Kayunga.
"To the people of Uganda,I want to assure you of an unwavering commitment and to execute our Constitutional mandate and Impartial manner for the promotion of Democracy in our country". Justice Byabakama.
He said that this can only be done through conduct of a free and fair elections that they will do and assured Ugandans who have doubts in their lack of professionalism and willingness to be impartial, that they will serve Ugandans in accordance with the law by organising elections that preserve the sanctity of Uganda as a country.
Image: Sania Babirye
He promised to work with the people of Uganda in organizing elections that every Ugandan can be proud of as a country and called upon anyone with any queries to work with him and sort them out.He further revealed that they need more than one trillion) shillings to conduct the next elections that are less than two years away and have no time to relax.
Byabakama said they will continue organizing elections that everyone in the country will be proud of and whoever has any issues regarding their operations as the Electoral Commission, he emphasized that doors are always open for them for discussions.
Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao appealed to Byabakama and his commission to be transparent and non-partisan ."You hold the new commission by hand, Mentor them and give them confidence to work without fear" .
Mao further revealed that they are proposing new policies to improve the Electoral process. "As the minister of justice and Constitutional Affairs I am really a bridge, your mouthpiece in the cabinet where we are now trying to enact policies and laws to introduce Electronic voting including proposals to have presiding officers to wear body cameras at polling stations".
According to Mao, the proposals are very radical and that it would not be surprising if many people are hesitant to embrace them fully and reminded justice Byabakama that it was up to him to advise the government on what is possible and prudent He reminded Byabakama that the public expects him to be transparent in organizing a free and fair election.
"We expect you to be non-partisan and your decisions and actions should not be for the benefit of any particular party.